High back Caistor Windsor rocking chair with curved notched crest rail, turned stiles, 7 spindles both above and below the cross rail with bobbin and ring turnings, scroll arms, turned underarm supports with 4 short spindles, straight seat sides, 1 ring very large legs with vase feet, H stretcher with bobbin and 2 ring turning WS 55

High back Caistor Windsor rocking chair with curved notched crest rail of large proportions WS 55

This Caistor rocking chair attributed to John Shadford is approximately two inches wider than the usual spindle-back Caistor rocking chairs. It has heavier legs which are only slightly exaggerated in this picture by the camera but is in excellent condition  It was obviously made for someone who was a bit broader in the beam!  It is a lovely chair for all that: I was lucky enough to get this out of an auction at Petersfield in Hampshire.

© William Sergeant 2012 and 2020

High back Caistor Windsor rocking chair with curved notched crest rail, turned stiles, 7 spindles both above and below the cross rail with bobbin and ring turnings, scroll arms, turned underarm supports with 4 short spindles, straight seat sides, 2 ring legs with vase feet, H stretcher with bobbin and 2 ring turning WS 39

High back Caistor Windsor rocking chair with curved notched crest rail WS 39

I have seen many Caistor chairs made by John Shadford but this one has to be the very best condition of them all; I was lucky enough to win this at a Cambridgeshire auction for a modest amount even though the auctioneers had given it correct attribution and description. On collection I inquired as to its provenance and was told that it come via a retired local antique dealer who was letting go some of his private collection. Pause for a moment and study this picture: you will never see a better Caistor rocker.

© William Sergeant 2012 and 2020